Mexican Shredded Beef (and Tacos)

Step 1

Combine the Spice Mix ingredients in a bowl. Sprinkle 4 teaspoons over the beef and pat so it sticks.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large heavy based pot over high heat. Add the beef (in batches if necessary) and brown well on all sides. Remove onto a plate.

Step 3

Turn the stove down to medium. If the pot looks dry, add more olive oil.

Step 4

Add the garlic and onion and cook for 3 minutes until soft.

Step 5

Add the orange juice and lime juice, and scrape the bottom of the pot so the brown bits mix into the liquid.

Step 6

Add tomato, beef stock, water and remaining spice mix. Mix, then return beef into pot.

Step 7

Put the lid on, bring to a simmer then turn the stove down so it is bubbling gently, not rapidly.

Step 8

Cook for 2 hours, then remove lid and simmer for another 30 minutes until beef is tender enough to shred. (Note 2 other cook methods).

Step 9

Remove the beef from sauce, shred with 2 forks.

Step 10

Leave the sauce to simmer with the lid off for 10 to 15 minutes to reduce and thicken to your taste. Adjust salt to taste. Optional: puree with stick blender to make it smooth (I do this for company)

Step 11

Toss beef back into the sauce (can reserve some Sauce for drizzling on tacos if you want, there's plenty).

Step 12

Transfer beef into large dish and serve. See notes for suggestions.

Step 13

To make tacos, serve the beef with warmed small tortillas, avocado slices, Pico de Gallo, shredded cheese, sour cream, lime wedges and extra cilantro/coriander leaves.